Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1887-01-20

them out. AS the light increased, they
comprehended what had been done a
large store of lirewood stacked in the
clubhouse was in blaze, and burning
brands from thence were being brought
and laid round the house.
Pick off every man who approaches,
said the major. All fire now inde-
pendently.'
The figures Of the Zulus became now
perfectly distinct in the light, and
those inside were able to pick off man
after man with unerring precision.
At length they appeared to come to the
conclusion that owing TO the heavy rain
that had fallen, the attempt to fire the
house would not succeed, 50 they again
retired to re-arrange their plan Of at
tack.
1t turned out that the light from the
burning woodstock was of great SER
vice to the little garrison, as it enabled
them to SEQ the movements of their ad
versaries while they themselves were
in shadow waiting in some anxiety
to know what would be the next move,
feeling that their position was becom-
ing critical, and unless the firing at
tracted some party, proceeding to, or
returning from the front, they must
make up their minds for the worst.
Looking round, the major said: IF
it comes to a last stand We'll make it in
this small room,' pointing to one of
the sitting-rooms. The door is narrow
and we can hold it while the ammunition
lasts after that, do the best we can
with clubbed rifles. Our only chance is
to hold out, in case the firing should be
heard by our friends
Captain Ferrars was moved into the
room indicated and all made ready for
the final struggle.
Everything was quiet for consider
able time, and faint hope was begin
ming 10 dawn that their foes had given
the business up and retired.
Presently shot was heard, aud then
came rush like a whirlwind, hoarse
yells and words of command the doors
both back and front were attacked and
the house tlembled with the shock.
Keep cool, everyone. Keep your eye
upon the doors, and when they enter,
pour into the thick of 'em; then make
for the small room.'
The house seemed to rock from the
force that was brought against it,while
one Zulu had found out the little win
dow at the side OF the door, and was
forcing his way in, head first. Captain
Birdgman raised his rifle to fire.
STEADY a bit,' shouted the major ;
don't waste ammunition And STEP
ping quickly forward, brought his club
bed rifle on the bare skull of the intru-
der, who fell head downwards, partly
in and partly out of the window.
The doors at length gave way and in
poured the enemy one steady volley
did good execution on the crowded
mass, and then all made for the small
room.
They fastened bedstead across the
lower part of the doorway, leaving the
upper part open, and then the four men
placed themselves we'll back, two on
each side of the door, through which
came showers of assegais; but the room
was so favorably placed that the inter-
ior was in complete darkness. while the
assaildnts were plainly visible.
One of the Zulu leaders outside was
now heard shouting instructions, and
after little time, eight or ten men ap-
peared with pieces of blazing wood,
which threw a light upon the interior
of the room destroying the only chance
Of the defenders.
A native, builder than the rest, got in
ever the obstacle at the door, but was
soon despatched. Another and anoth-
er, however, quickly followed. Major
Maitland was wounded in two places.
Captain Bridgman was shot in the
mouth, Lieut.. Cochrane was engaging
couple of gigantic Zulus, and, though
wounded, managed to keep his assail-
ants at bay, DR.. Andrews, cool and
collected, and the only one unwounded,
had taken to his revolver, and placing
his back to the wall against which Cap
tain Ferrars had been placed for safety
and in front of that gentleman, success.
fully held his own.
Each one of the little party now felt
that his last hour had come, but stern
ly determined to fight to the end. Just
as the complete hopelessness of their
position was forced upon them, there
came sharp volley of musketry from
the outside, followed by quick drop
ping fire, and then, the welcome sound
of English voices.
The Zulus turned to face. their new
enemies, but disheartened by the con-
tinued dropping of their comrades be-